Overview
Brand: Transcontinental Rum Line
Origin: Grays Distilling Ltd, Pamplemousses, Mauritius
Still: Column
Age: 3 years
Finish: New American Oak
ABV: 50%
As far as Mauritian rums go, I don't have a lot experience with different expressions, save for the Holmes Cay bottling we previously reviewed. So to my surprise and excitement, the 2022 Transcontinental Rum Line (TCRL) release included a Mauritian rum in the lineup.
TCRL Mauritius 2017 comes from Grays Distilling Ltd. on the African island, which is well-known for their New Grove rum brand. The molasses-based rum was a produced by their column still, and then spent 3 years in new American oak casks on-site; finally, the aged rum was transported to France in 2021 for bottling at 50% ABV.
Appearance
Orange-brown, medium-high clarity, low viscosity
Nose
Marzipan, lemon zest, caramel, paint fumes, fresh-cut oak, celery
Palate
Grapefruit, tangerine, oak, caramel, vanilla, black cherry, cardemom, celery, cinnamon
Finish
Medium-long, tannic, slightly bitter; vanilla, celery, oak, prunes, lemon rind, cinnmamon
Rating: 8/10
Summary
TCRL Mauritius is a fun pour, and a great introduction to the island's rum products for those who may not have had a chance to try them. The new American Oak cask adds some unique spice and wood notes to the rum, which itself is bursting with fruity and earthy notes.
The marzipan, caramel, and celery notes on the nose give way to fruity grapefruit, tangerine, and black cherry on the palate. That celery note is as interesting as it is pervasive throughout the experience. It's really an interesting set of notes, and perhaps the most unique that I've found in the TCRL lineup.
With limited Mauritius experience, I really enjoyed trying this younger expression that has a more neutral aging cask. The result is an expressive rum that offers another look at a distillery that until recently hasn't seen many Stateside releases. I definitely recommend this if you're interested in a rum that has a good mix of vegetal, fruit, and oak notes.